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Rain Partier

Comic companies will go above and beyond to make sure that their product is noticed by consumers. Sometimes, they will use shocking covers featuring established characters in order to draw the jaded fan's notice. Other times, they may use a sleek cover design to draw curious eyes their way. Perhaps, they may even call a graphic novel Whore and give it a cover with three nude (but covered) women and a sharply dressed killer. That last example would seem a little extreme to be true....except that it is a description of a graphic novel that will be hitting stores on Wednesday. While more open-minded people may think that there could be something of value beyond the graphic novel's cover, I assure you that this is not case.

My main issue with Whore is that the entire world that the characters inhabit is juvenile and cynical. Missions that lead character Jacob Mars embarks on range from protecting a closeted teen idol's life to playing basketball with the president. For those that are curious by the title, Jacob does engage in a job that is strictly sexual in nature. One thing that struck me while reading Whore is that its structure reminds me of a video game. The mission variety and the structure of the narrative seems perfect for a "mature" game that is concerned more about thrills than consequences.

What makes things worse is that there is an inherent indifference to the vices practiced within the pages. Jacob is intentionally unlikable, but I honestly have a hard time thinking of a character that left a positive impression. It is as if the characters in Whore know and do not mind that their world is corrupt. Sex, violence and profanity are commonplace and lack any nuance. Despite the cover and the title, Whore does not feature any graphic nudity. It is a small exercise in restraint in a graphic novel that mostly does not hold back.

Marco Turini's art is adequate, though unpolished. Some of it seems inspired by the work of Doug Mahnke. Judging from his pages, Turini is on the right path (artistically) though his draftsmanship still has a ways to go. James Brown's colors are mixed bag. At times, they look decent; at other times, they can be dull. Despite my complaints with the art, it is still the high point of Whore.

Nonetheless, Whore is not worth a recommendation. It is as cold, shallow and unappealing as its lead character. For those looking for a deeper and more entertaining tale involving a heartless lead character that involves sex and violence, go check out Daken: Dark Wolverine. There are plenty of comics that are worthy of your time and money; Whore is not one of them.

Comic companies will go above and beyond to make sure that their product is noticed by consumers. Sometimes, they will use shocking covers featuring established characters in order to draw the jaded fan's notice. Other times, they may use a sleek cover design to draw curious eyes their way. Perhaps, they may even call a graphic novel Whore and give it a cover with three nude (but covered) women and a sharply dressed killer. That last example would seem a little extreme to be true....except that it is a description of a graphic novel that will be hitting stores on Wednesday. While more open-minded people may think that there could be something of value beyond the graphic novel's cover, I assure you that this is not case.

My main issue with Whore is that the entire world that the characters inhabit is juvenile and cynical. Missions that lead character Jacob Mars embarks on range from protecting a closeted teen idol's life to playing basketball with the president. For those that are curious by the title, Jacob does engage in a job that is strictly sexual in nature. One thing that struck me while reading Whore is that its structure reminds me of a video game. The mission variety and the structure of the narrative seems perfect for a "mature" game that is concerned more about thrills than consequences.

What makes things worse is that there is an inherent indifference to the vices practiced within the pages. Jacob is intentionally unlikable, but I honestly have a hard time thinking of a character that left a positive impression. It is as if the characters in Whore know and do not mind that their world is corrupt. Sex, violence and profanity are commonplace and lack any nuance. Despite the cover and the title, Whore does not feature any graphic nudity. It is a small exercise in restraint in a graphic novel that mostly does not hold back.

Marco Turini's art is adequate, though unpolished. Some of it seems inspired by the work of Doug Mahnke. Judging from his pages, Turini is on the right path (artistically) though his draftsmanship still has a ways to go. James Brown's colors are mixed bag. At times, they look decent; at other times, they can be dull. Despite my complaints with the art, it is still the high point of Whore.

Nonetheless, Whore is not worth a recommendation. It is as cold, shallow and unappealing as its lead character. For those looking for a deeper and more entertaining tale involving a heartless lead character that involves sex and violence, go check out Daken: Dark Wolverine. There are plenty of comics that are worthy of your time and money; Whore is not one of them.